Books Like...

"Song of the Sparrow" by Lisa Ann Sandell is a retelling of the King Arthur legend from a different perspective, focusing on Elaine of Ascolat, also known as the Lady of Shalott. The book is written in verse format, which some readers found to be a unique and interesting choice. The story follows Elaine as a teenager in Arthur's military camp, navigating her feelings for Lancelot amidst the presence of other key Arthurian characters like Gawain and Tristan.

Elaine's coming-of-age story is intertwined with elements of adventure and love, set against the backdrop of the Round Table and medieval times. The book explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the complexities of relationships within the context of Arthurian legend, offering readers a fresh take on a classic story through the eyes of a female protagonist.

The Dragon Queen by Alice Borchardt is an intriguing and imaginative take on the King Arthur and Guinevere story, offering a fresh perspective on well-known characters. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged, although some found it challenging to follow due to abrupt transitions into the more magical elements of the story. Despite the occasional difficulty in following the plot, readers appreciated the beautiful imagery and well-rounded characters crafted by the author.

'Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle' by Rosalind Miles is a historical fiction novel that retells the love story of Tristan and Isolde, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal struggles. The plot follows Isolde's journey as she navigates her relationship with Tristan, her conflicts with her mother, the Queen of Ireland, and her responsibilities to her land. is praised for its well-developed characters, emotional depth, and engaging storytelling style that brings to life the legendary characters of Tristan and Isolde.

"I Am Morgan le Fay" by Nancy Connor Springer is a captivating tale that delves into the life of Morgan le Fay, exploring her journey from childhood to becoming a powerful sorceress in the Arthurian legends. The story follows Morgan's struggles, her growth, her relationships, and the events that shape her into the iconic figure she is known as. Through a lyrical and engaging writing style, the author portrays Morgan as a complex character, showcasing her strengths, flaws, and the choices that lead her down a path of destiny and power.

Springer's narrative offers a fresh perspective on the Arthurian mythos, focusing on a female-centric, pagan-influenced take on the legends. The book intricately weaves together elements of magic, love, betrayal, and fate, painting a vivid picture of Morgan's world and her quest for love and identity amidst the turbulent times of war and power struggles in Britain.

'I Am Mordred' by Nancy Connor Springer is a reimagining of the Arthurian legend focusing on the character of Mordred, portrayed as a sympathetic and complex figure torn between love and hate for his father, King Arthur. The story delves into Mordred's struggles with his fate, his desire for peace, and his journey to make his father acknowledge him, all while exploring themes of destiny, family, and the nature of free will. The writing style is described as engaging, well thought out, and offering a new perspective on Mordred's story within the Camelot setting.

'Enthroned' by K.M. Shea is a twist on the classic King Arthur legend, where Arthur is a woman transported back in time. The story follows Britt Arthurs, a modern woman who finds herself in medieval times after pulling a sword from a stone and being told by Merlin that she will be crowned the new King of Britain. The plot involves elements of comedy, medieval violence, and magical adventure, with a slow burn romance as a side plot. While some readers found the book to be a fun and quirky read, others felt that more character development and a compelling why behind the plot were needed for a more impactful story.

In "Enemy of God," the second book in Bernard Cornwell's "The Warlord Chronicles" series, readers are taken on a gripping journey through a reimagined Arthurian legend. The story is narrated by Derfel, a trusted warlord of Arthur, who provides a unique perspective on the events unfolding around him. The plot is filled with raw human emotion, unexpected betrayals, and intense battles as Arthur strives to unite Christian and pagan populations against the Saxons. Cornwell's writing style blends historical fiction and myth seamlessly, creating a captivating tale that delves into themes of war, friendship, love, and heroism.

The Dragon and the Unicorn' in the series 'Arthor' by author A.A. Attanasio is a retelling of the Arthurian legend that delves into the tale before the tale, focusing on King Arthur's parents, Queen Ygrane of the Celts and Uther Pendragon. The writing style is described as mind-bendingly beautiful prose that reads like lyrical poetry, drawing the reader into a crucial part of the Arthurian story rarely told. The story unfolds in vivid, fearless descriptions that explore the clash of Christianity and Celtic religion in ancient Britannia.

The plot of the book follows the trials of Ygrane, a Celtic priestess with knowledge of her past lives, Merlinus, a demon now shackled in human form, and the rise of Uther, the would-be father of Arthur. Their lives intersect in a story that weaves together elements of Celtic lore, Roman history, and Nordic settlements, creating a compelling narrative that captures the depth of Celtic history and myth.

'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' is a medieval epic poem that captures the medieval vibe perfectly, making it interesting and easy to read with a translation. The story follows Sir Gawain, one of the knights of the round table, who embarks on a series of quests as penance after chopping off the head of a giant green knight. The book is a retelling or translation of the original Middle English poem by J.R.R. Tolkien, portraying the Arthurian myth in a unique and captivating way.

'Firelord' by Parke Godwin is a reimagining of the Arthurian legend with a gritty and realistic portrayal of the characters and setting. The book delves into the complexities of the relationships between King Arthur, Guenevere, Lancelot, and other key figures, offering a fresh perspective on the well-known tale. Godwin's writing style is praised for its evocative prose, historical accuracy, and ability to bring the characters to life in a way that feels authentic and relatable.